Any time I travel by plane, I ship my guns to myself at the residence I'll be staying at. Insured, and FEDEX or UPS only. Never had an issue, and isn't all that expensive. Never done it as checked baggage, but I don't trust airlines. Flew with my falconry birds a couple times, and it was a horrible experience. Can't trust them with a bird of prey, so why would I trust them with my guns. No way in Hades I'll ever ship a gun on an airline.